Reid quits Ireland to extend club career

Steven Reid has retired from international football to prolong his club career.

The Baggies midfielder has called time on his Republic of Ireland career after missing much of the 2006/07 season and nearly all of 2008/09 due to injury problems.

It brings the curtain down on an international career that spanned nine years but having won just 23 caps due to his problems, the 29-year-old is adamant he has made the right decision.

“Having weighed everything up, I know this is the right decision,” said the former Millwall man. “The injuries I've had over the past couple of years have been well documented.

"It's a decision I came to after lengthy discussions with the club's medical staff and my family.

"I've had some unforgettable times with Ireland, the highlight being making two appearances at the World Cup Finals in Japan and South Korea in 2002 and it has always been a huge honour for me to wear the Irish jersey.

"It's just a shame my injuries cut short the number of caps I possibly could have won over the past few years."

Reid’s injury nightmare began during his time at Blackburn Rovers and unable to break back into Sam Allardyce’s side last season, he spent loan spells at QPR and The Hawthorns.

He joined West Brom on a permanent deal this summer and his decision has been backed by Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo.

“Reidy knows he has to look after his body,” he said. “The amount of games he’s going to play means that by doing this it might extend his career.”

The amount of games he’s going to play means that by doing this it might extend his career.